Shanghai Major Elimination Stage Pick’em: Our Predictions

After narrowly advancing from the Opening Stage with the requisite five correct picks, we’re still in the running for the coveted Diamond coin. Shoutout to Liquid and The MongolZ for securing our 3-0 selections, though we were pleasantly surprised by the strong showing from the Americas region.

The Elimination Stage, however, presents an entirely different challenge. The world’s best teams now enter the fray, and competition is fiercer than ever.

Our 3-0 Picks

NAVI
One of the most consistent teams of 2024, NAVI is among the top contenders for the title in Shanghai. The reigning Copenhagen Major champions face a tough opening match against Team Liquid. However, Liquid has historically struggled against the world’s top five teams. We expect NAVI to start strong on their path toward another Major title.

Vitality
The French powerhouse delivered a flawless performance at the RMR, defeating both FaZe and GamerLegion—teams that also made it to the Elimination Stage. Vitality’s opening match is a rematch against GamerLegion, and we anticipate another commanding victory from the Frenchmen.

Our 3-2 and 3-1 Picks

G2 Esports
With Nikola “NiKo” Kovač likely playing his final tournament in a G2 jersey, there’s a lot at stake. Although many fans might place G2 in the 3-0 bracket, we’re wary of their first match against The MongolZ. The Mongolians are in peak form, already acclimated to the Shanghai stage. While G2 might stumble initially, we predict a 3-1 recovery and progression to the playoffs.

FaZe Clan
Led by Finn "karrigan" Andersen, FaZe remains a favorite for the championship. However, early setbacks are a recurring theme for this roster—they’ve lost their opening match in four of their last five tournaments. While we don’t foresee a 3-0 start, FaZe should find their rhythm and secure a playoff spot.

MOUZ
The German-based squad continues to punch above their weight on a smaller budget compared to other top-tier teams. Their flawless run at the RMR included a victory over NAVI, proving they can compete at the highest level. Although they narrowly missed our 3-0 predictions, MOUZ is poised to advance in the 3-1 or 3-2 bracket.

The MongolZ
The MongolZ are a standout team in this Major, carrying the hopes of the Asian region as the sole representatives in the Elimination Stage. After a perfect run in the Opening Stage and an impressive 10-match win streak, their opening clash against G2 could set the tone for another strong performance. However, we expect teams like NAVI and Vitality to pose significant challenges, limiting The MongolZ’s ceiling.

Team Liquid
After a stellar 3-0 performance in the Opening Stage, Liquid proved their potential. However, we don’t see them repeating a perfect record here. Led by Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken, this North American squad should still secure a playoff berth.

Spirit
Spirit enters as a dark horse in this tournament. Danil "donk" Kryshkovets was a breakout star in Katowice, but the team’s recent results have been underwhelming. Despite their struggles, Spirit remains one of the most mechanically skilled teams in the Major. We’re betting on them finding their stride in Shanghai to make it to the playoffs.

Teams Predicted to Go 0-3

GamerLegion
We pegged them as a 0-3 team in the Opening Stage, and while they proved us wrong, we remain unconvinced. With four players rated below 1.00 on HLTV’s Opening Stage rankings, GamerLegion faces an uphill battle in this round.

FURIA
The Brazilians scraped through the Opening Stage with a 3-1 record, but all three wins came down to the wire. Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo and his team might have used up their luck, and we suspect this stage will be their undoing.